When an Employee Leaves

Team work is very important when it comes to completing assigned tasks in an office. At times it is difficult for a team member especially when they must do extra tasks on behalf of a member on leave. However, a person going on leave does not have to necessarily affect the normal running of duties in an office. Instead, the team members work can be made easier and simpler by early preparations using these tips.

a) Let the essential employees prepare a proposal before going for a leave

In most instances, the employees are aware of when they will be going for their leaves. In this case, as a team, ensure that the essential employer has prepared a proposal before they go. The importance of this document should clearly indicate how the assigned task will go on, the team member who will stand in for the essential employee and the roles assigned to each employee in the completion of the work. Additionally, the task should also set instructions of when the employee will be contacted and the favorable means of communication to use while on leave.

b) Transparency between the team members

Open communications among the team members is very important. Open communications help to prevent possible confusions during the tasks and future resentments among the team members and managers assigned to take over the duties of the employee on leave. The team members should be given clear instructions on where they can find answers, the people to consult in the course of task completion. In addition, the employee on leave should inform the team members about the deadlines, and what will happen upon the return from leave. These communications should be made early enough to set everything ready during the leave.

c) Consult if any other member will be absent

The team will be taking extra responsibilities on behalf of the employee on leave. For this reason, it is crucial that the team members to understand the schedule of other team members and note if anyone else will be absent during the task solving. If possible, request the employees to take time off if they will be gone for a long time. If necessary, flexible schedules should help in maintaining the morale of the team and assuring them that the employee on leave understands the pressure left to the team.

d) Identify the focused employees and use the chance to develop team Members

Each team member has different levels of capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. During this time, it is advisable to make employees feel that they are valued in the company. Be keen on identifying which employee takes the tasks of filing up for employees on leave. Moreover, you can use this chance to further stretch the employees for possible promotions and allowing them try new skills, which will help you identify hidden talents among employees.

e) If you need help, hire help

If the team members are running short of time to complete the tasks, it could do them good them good to hire help or sign a contract with a freelancer. There are other skilled people who can chip in and help in carrying out the tasks.

Summary

Everybody needs time to rest. Work office can be overwhelming at times and occasionally, a leave is important. An employee taking a leave should not affect the normal running of the office duties. Advance preparations such as discussing with the team members should be made for a smooth running of the leftover workload to prevent future mishaps in a company.